Horseback Riding and Stock Use

Many people enjoy animal packing in the backcountry. In Devils Postpile National Monument most people on horseback are either visiting the Rainbow Falls area, or are crossing the park on the John Muir or Pacific Crest trails. As you travel with your stock along monument trails, we encourage you to minimize your impact on the land and toward other visitors. Practicing good trail etiquette helps ensure that everyone enjoys their visit; it also establishes a better understanding between the different wilderness users, and that benefits everyone.

Day Trips: Devils Postpile National Monument

Where can I park my horse trailer?

The best place to access the monument with a horse trailer is from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Parking is limited and turnarounds are tight. Horse trailer parking is not permitted at the Devils Postpile parking area and the trail from there to the postpile formation is not open to stock.

Where can I cross the river?

Cross the upper middle fork of the San Joaquin River at the stock bridge indicated on the map near the eastern boundary of the park. The bridge located near Soda Springs is not designed to handle stock and is closed to stock use. Open river crossings are prohibited for your safety and to reduce the impact to the fragile riparian ecosystem.

Which trails can I use within the monument?

The John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, King Creek Trail and most of the Rainbow Falls Trail (see the map on back for details).

Can I let my stock graze?

Grazing of stock is not permitted anywhere within the monument. Please consider packing weed-free feed for your stock. The spread of exotic plants in the Sierra Nevada has compromised many Sierran meadows, forests, and wildlife. Each year, Devils Postpile spends hundreds of staff and volunteer hours to remove these noxious weeds.

Can I travel of trail?

Stock are not allowed of trail anywhere in the monument.

Camping with Stock

Can I camp overnight with stock?

Camping is not allowed within the monument.

Is there anywhere in the Reds Meadow Valley where I can camp with my stock?

Yes. There are three horse campsites provided in the Agnew Meadows Campground (reservation required). There are hitching posts, but no corrals and no water troughs. Water faucets are available. Weed free hay is appreciated.

Trail Courtesy and Regulations

Stay on the trails. Monument staff, partners, and volunteers work hard to maintain the monument trails. Your efforts to Leave No Trace minimize impact on wildlife, soil, and vegetation. Ride single file on the trail and do not shortcut trails or switchbacks. When traveling on switchbacks and steep trails with limited visibility, travel slowly and be cautious of other approaching trail users. Cross—don't skirt—muddy or snowy stretches of trail.